The cutting edge of England's front line – including Nottingham Forest's Ben Brereton – can help the Three Lions 'finish the job off' as they progress into the semi-finals of the Under-19s European Championship.

That was the message today from England coach Keith Downing, who hopes the confidence in the squad can help them progress into the final by beating the Czech Republic in the semi-final on Wednesday.

Reds striker Brereton netted twice as England romped to a 4-1 success over old rivals Germany to secure top spot in their qualifying group and a place in the last four. It took Brereton's tally for the tournament to three.

Fulham front man Ryan Sessegnon also netted a brace, to make sure of victory, after Germany had threatened to stage a fight back.

Brereton had netted from the spot in the 52 minute, after he himself had been brought down, before producing a lovely finish to make it 2-0 ten minutes later. Germany gave themselves brief hope with a strike from Warschewski, before Sessegnon netted two goals of his own, in the space of three minutes.

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"We have taken every game as a cup final, I don't think we need to change that thought. We respect the Czech Republic because they are an organised side who carry some threat. We will be prepared.

"It is about the whole group and, when I say that, it is not just a cliché. The whole contribution from the players and staff has put us in a very good position.

"What we have to do is carry on now for the next week, to finish the job off. We have achieved nothing, we have got through the first stage. Now we have to get the next part right."

England progress into the semi-final in good form, following what proved to be a comfortable win.

Ben Brereton played a key role in England's impressive win (Image: UEFA)

"We're delighted to get through a tough group, with Germany, Holland and Bulgaria, and qualify for the semi-finals. It's been a real test. We thought it would be and it has been," said Downing.

"We are delighted to have qualified and with the manner in which we did it. The manner in which we have done it, after two injuries today, shows the depth and the importance of the squad. It is a squad game and the players all make a major contribution, right the way through to the semi-finals.

"We took a little while to settle down. The scoreline might have flattered us, but we played well as a group. The keeper made some good saves when he had to. We defended well."